The Philadelphia Department of Health (DOH) approved limits on tobacco sales within the city on December 9.​Thanks to feedback from PFMA and its members, the DOH did modify its restrictions limiting the number of retail tobacco permits in an area based on population. U.S. census figures for “commuter and adjusted daytime” population will be used rather than residential population. Starting February 15, the city will limit tobacco permits to one seller per 1,000 people. The change will allow more retailers in center city to sell tobacco products as workers commute into the area, while fewer retailers will be able sell in the residential areas where more people live.

The city also prohibited new permits within 500 feet of a school starting January 1. Businesses currently selling tobacco in those areas will be grandfathered to continue their sales, but will not be able to transfer their permits to a new retailer. Tobacco specialty retailers, such as cigar shops, received an exception where they can apply within the first 180 days of 2017 for a one-time transfer of their permit to sell their business. That exception applies to no more than six businesses.

Permit fees will increase from $50 to $300, starting January 1, to fund tobacco sales enforcement. Retailers receiving more than three violations in two years for underage tobacco sales will lose their permits for a year.According to city officials, compliance checks conducted last year found 23 percent of tobacco retailers sold to underage buyers. They believe these new restrictions will help prevent children from being the “next generation of smokers.”